Buffalo Grove board says goodbye to Hartstein

After 12 years, Buffalo Grove Village President Elliott Hartstein handed over the gavel Monday night to his successor, Trustee Jeffrey Braiman.

But in other respects it was a typical meeting for Hartstein, the ultimate Buffalo Grove booster.

Before a packed village hall crowd that included Hartstein's parents, Ray and Rhea, and two former village managers, William Balling and William Brimm, Hartstein thanked village employees, volunteers and current and former board members, declaring the love for the village that he often sported on T-shirts and buttons.

Addressing the past and current board members, he said, "From time to time, we may have had differences, we may have had disagreements. There is one thing that I can say about each and every person that I have served with during the entire time I have served in this community. Each and every one of them cares about the community. Each and every one of them has given of themselves to serve and make Buffalo Grove a great place."

He also thanked the other governmental bodies that work with the village.

"We are very lucky to live in a community that has some of the finest school districts, library districts (and) park districts that serve us and all of the other governmental bodies that work hand in hand with the village to make sure Buffalo Grove remains a great place."

Hartstein received parting gifts from the board and even saw the White Pine pedestrian trail named after him.

In addition, state Rep. Sidney Mathias, himself a former village president, state Rep. Carol Sente and Lake County Board Chairman David Stolman, read proclamations in his honor, Stolman told the crowd that the day was Elliott Hartstein Day in Lake County.

Also honored with proclamations and gifts was Trustee DeAnn Glover, who is retiring after 16 years on the board.

New board members Andrew Stein and Michael Terson were sworn in.

Janet Sirabian, who has been village clerk for 32 years, also began a new term, as did incumbent Trustees Jeffrey Berman and Steven Trilling.

Upon taking over, Braiman appointed his successor as trustee, longtime Plan Commission Member and Chairman Lester Ottenheimer.

Outgoing Trustee Eric Smith was also appointed chairman of the Plan Commission.

Braiman pledged fiscal responsibility and exceptional delivery of services, even in the face of financial challenges.

He also vowed transparency in government decisions and encouraged citizens to volunteer and provide input.

"We look forward to working together to keep Buffalo Grove one of the best places to live and raise a family," he said.